Accelerating synergistic effects of preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells with Crocin and dexamethasone in pulmonary epithelial cells injury

Chemical warfare victims suffer from bronchiolitis and chronic pulmonary obstruction caused by sulfur mustard (SM) toxicity. Despite the mesenchymal stem cells capacity to alleviate inflammation, their low survival rate under oxidative stress severely limits their effectiveness. This study aimed to examine how natural (Crocin) and synthetic (Dexamethasone) antioxidants might affect MSC efficacy. MSCs were treated with the optimal doses of Crocin (Cr.), Dexamethasone (Dex.), and their combination. The A549 cells line was pretreated with the optimal dose of the CEES to mimic the lung disease. Then, the affected A549 cells were exposed to the preconditioned MSCs and conditioned media, and then their survival rates were estimated by MTTor2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Annexin-V PI apoptosis test was conducted for MSCs and A549 cells. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) assay and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test demonstrated the percentage of production of ROS and the cytokines levels in A549/CEES, respectively. The results revealed significant increases in Cr. + Dex. treated MSCs (P < .01) and A549 cells treated with MSCs-CM/Cr/Dex (P < .01) groups' survival. The apoptosis rate and ROS production were reduced in the MSCs-CM/Cr/Dex. Also, considerable decreases in IL-1β (P < .01) and IL-6 (P < .01) and a significant increase in IL-10 (P < .05) in treated A549/CEES by Cr/Dex and MSCs-CM/Cr/Dex supported the synergistic effects of Crocin and Dexamethasone.

Simulation of sand particles detection inside a pipeline by photon radiography

Transmission pipelines are vital arteries in the petroleum industry, as the survival of this system depends on maintaining the capability of transferring fluid through the pipelines. In petroleum industry, transfer system faults lead to significant economic and social consequences and sometimes may produce critical situations. Transmission pipelines connect all systems, and any defect in their functions adversely affects other systems directly or indirectly. Small quantities of sand particles in transmission pipelines in petroleum industries can cause significant damage to pipes or installations such as valves. Therefore, the detection of these solid particles in oil or gas pipelines is essential. To prevent the costly consequences of passing sand particles through pipelines, early detection of these particles has a crucial impact on equipment lifetime and availability. There are some techniques for the detection of sand particles in the pipelines. Among applicable methods, photon radiography can be applied as an inspection technique along with other methods, or in some cases, where conventional inspection tools cannot be used. The high velocity of solid particles inside the pipeline leads to the destruction of any measuring device that is placed inside it. In addition, the pressure drop due to the placement of the measuring devices inside the pipeline has negative effects on the fluid transfer capacity of the pipe, which ultimately leading adverse economic consequences. In this paper, photon radiography as an in-situ, non-destructive, and online method for detecting sand particles flowing through the pipelines with oil, gas, or brine was studied. Simulation based on the Monte Carlo calculation was applied to evaluate the impact of this technique on sand particle detection in a pipeline. Obtained results showed that radiography, as a reliable, fast, and non-destructive method, could detect solid particles in transmitting pipelines.

Proteomics analysis of chronic skin injuries caused by mustard gas

Sulfur mustard (SM) is an alkylating and forming chemical that was widely used by Iraqi forces during the Iran–Iraq wars. One of the target organs of SM is the skin. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SM may help better identify complications and find appropriate treatments. The current study collected ten SM-exposed patients with long-term skin complications and ten healthy individuals. Proteomics experiments were performed using the high-efficiency TMT10X method to evaluate the skin protein profile, and statistical bioinformatics methods were used to identify the differentially expressed proteins. One hundred twenty-nine proteins had different expressions between the two groups. Of these 129 proteins, 94 proteins had increased expression in veterans' skins, while the remaining 35 had decreased expression. The hub genes included RPS15, ACTN1, FLNA, HP, SDHC, and RPL29, and three modules were extracted from the PPI network analysis. Skin SM exposure can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation.

Photon backscatter radiography application for the simulation of corrosion detection inside a pipeline: A novel proposal for 360° corrosion consideration in the pipelines

Several technologies such as radiography are available for monitoring inside the pipelines. The nondestructive testing (NDT) method is one of the attractive techniques for corrosion detection inside the pipelines. Sometimes, corrosion detection in the pipelines is quite difficult due to lack of access to the outer part. Therefore, backscatter radiography as an NDT inspection technique for in situ detection of corrosion inside the metallic pipelines should be conducted. The Monte Carlo calculation-based simulation was applied to propose a practical design for corrosion detection inside the pipelines without access to back of them. The results showed that the model can detect corrosion location inside a pipe with acceptable accuracy.

Prospects of Saffron and its Derivatives in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia in the old age population, making it a worldwide concern. Unfortunately, few drugs have been presented for treatment of mild and moderate AD. To meet this need, more effective anti-AD agents are emerging. Accumulating evidence supports the beneficial roles of natural-based products in brain function, neurotransmission, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and the prevention of amyloid fibrillation and neuronal injury. Several in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies suggest that saffron (its bioactive compounds) is a potential nutraceutical with antioxidant, radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, neuroendocrine, and neuroprotective effects. It has also been proposed that saffron may delay the onset of AD, prevent its progression or help to attenuate the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive search on this plant and its derivatives for AD treatment. Saffron and its active constituents interfere with AD by improving learning behavior, spatial memory, and cognitive function; protecting against neuronal loss; inhibiting beta-amyloid aggregation and neurotoxicity; preventing senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation; suppressing the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity; and reducing neuroinflammation. Given conclusive scientific findings, saffron and its derivatives might counter neurodegenerative diseases through multiple pathways. Further clinical trials are expected to confirm the neuroprotective properties of this herb and also to translate such findings to improve patients' outcomes.

Saffron offers hepatoprotection via up-regulation of hepatic farnesoid-X-activated receptors in a rat model of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity

OBJECTIVES

The most important toxicity of acetaminophen is hepatotoxicity. Farnesoid X-activated receptors (FXR) are one of the nuclear receptor superfamily members which have a pivotal role in the bile acid regulation. The objective of the present study was to examine the role of FXR in mediating the hepatoprotective effects of saffron.

METHODS

Male Wister rats were randomly allocated into five groups including a control, vehicle, acetaminophen and two saffron extract groups of 150 and 300 mg/kg/day. The liver function and hepatic FXR expression were evaluated using biochemical assay and real time RT-PCR, respectively. Data analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test.

RESULTS

Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of the acetaminophen group were significantly higher than the control group whereas those of the extract-treated groups were significantly lower than those of the acetaminophen group. The real time RT-PCR findings showed a non-significant down-regulation of FXR mRNA expression, however, a dose-dependent FXR up-regulation was seen in the groups treated with 150 and 300 mg/kg of the extract for 2.67 (p=0.002) and 10.22 (p=0.0001) fold, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The main finding of the present study was that the hepatic FXR up-regulation had an important role in saffron hepatoprotective activity.